The Department of Agriculture – National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (DA-NFRDI), through its Freshwater Fisheries Research and Development Center (FFRDC), presented comprehensive findings from its 2023–2024 research project on the stock assessment of Lake Buhi on March 11, 2025, in Buhi, Camarines Sur.
The project took a holistic approach to understanding Lake Buhi’s ecosystem by examining the complex interactions within the lake.
Led by Ma. Lourdes Merilles, the project shed light on the current state of Lake Buhi’s fishery resources, providing valuable insights for conservation and sustainable management. A thorough assessment of the lake’s fishery resources was conducted, including the morphological characteristics of sinarapan, the world’s smallest commercial fish species found in the lake.
Meanwhile, Dr. Minerva Fatimae Ventolero, Scientist I and chief of Genetics and Breeding Section of the Aquaculture Research and Development Division (ARDD), led the genetic diversity analysis of sinarapan, providing crucial information for conservation efforts.
The project explored the efficiency of cage aquaculture in Lake Buhi, including fish productivity and cost analysis, which was spearheaded by Frederick Muyot, senior aquaculturist of FFRDC.
The researchers investigated the reproductive biology of sinarapan, essential for sustainable management. Additionally, they studied the abundance and distribution of ichthyoplankton in Lake Buhi, a critical aspect of the lake’s ecosystem.
The presentations were attended by representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Buhi Wildlife Sanctuary-Protected Area Management Office (DENR-BWS-PAMO), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Regional Field Office 5, and the local government of Buhi, Camarines Sur. Participants provided feedback, recognizing the study’s significance and its potential to inform policy decisions and support the conservation of Lake Buhi and its iconic sinarapan species.
This research highlights the crucial role of scientific inquiry in shaping sustainable management practices and conservation strategies for Lake Buhi and its valuable resources.
Michael Angelo Lacoste, executive assistant to the mayor of Buhi, emphasized the need for data-driven solutions in addressing local challenges such as aquaculture and waste disposal. “Madami kaming challenges—aquaculture, waste disposal—pero nasulusyunan po namin. But in order to do that, we need data-driven solutions or science-based [approaches], at nandiyan po kayo [NFRDI], thank you very much po,” he said.
Municipal Agriculturist Angelito Philip Ignao also echoed this sentiment, recognizing the study’s broader impact. “Para sa akin, malaking tulong ito. Lalong-lalo na, this would open up another research—manganganak at manganganak—[at] makatutulong sa policymaking,” he stated.
BFAR 5 also acknowledged the study’s importance in advancing conservation efforts and policymaking. They also expressed hope for an increased budget for the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) to expand research coverage to rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. ### (By DA-NFRDI)
